More than 300 children in HCM City and neighbouring provinces have taken part in numerous sports and physical education activities at a programme held in Bình Dương Province on June 1. — Photos courtesy of the organisers

BÌNH DƯƠNG — More than 300 children from shelters, foster homes and child protection centres in HCM City and neighbouring provinces have enjoyed numerous sports and physical education activities at a programme held in Bình Dương Province on the occasion of the International Day for Children (June 1).

The programme called 'Fun and Healthy Day with Kids' was organised by the non-profit Food Bank Vietnam in collaboration with the Sports Centre of Việt Nam National University-HCM City (VNU-HCM), the Vietnam Academy of Sports Education (Edusport), the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ThaiCham), and other partners.

It is part of the 'Children’s Smiles' initiative, a series of annual community activities organised by the Vietnam FoodBanking Network and its partners, to bring joy and support to disadvantaged children nationwide.

Taking place at the Sports Centre of VNU-HCM, the plan was to spread love and foster both physical and mental development of children.

The youngsters participated in various activities such as sports and traditional folk games, alongside exercise classes, and received gifts back from sponsors. The programme also served 300 nutritious meals to the kids.

The programme called “Fun and Healthy Day with Kids” held in Bình Dương Province on June 1.

The general director of Food Bank Vietnam, Nguyễn Hoàng Trúc Linh, said taking care of children’s physical health, nutrition and mental well-being - especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds - is the foundation for sustainable social development.

“This programme is not only a practical gift for June 1, but also an opportunity for children to integrate, practice and feel the love from the community," she said.

The ThaiCham's Secretary General, Santipong Binthep, said partnering up for the programme not only spread joy to underprivileged children, but also demonstrated the long-term commitment of the Thai business community in Việt Nam to contributing to sustainable social development.

Kids participate in sports and physical education activities and receive gifts from sponsors.

The programme also marked the official launch of Sports Semester 2025, a summer programme of physical education and life skills for children aged from six to 15 years old.

The Sports Semester 2025, which runs from June 20 to July, is in its third year, following the success of previous seasons and continuing to receive widespread attention from parents, students and physical education specialists. — VNS